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Global trends, gaps, and future agenda in medulloblastoma research: a bibliometric analysis

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Abstract

Background

Medulloblastoma is the most common malignant primary pediatric brain tumor. Over the years, an increase in published research has been observed on this topic. However, there is a lack of analysis on the characteristics and trends and the socioeconomic indicators associated with medulloblastoma research productivity and impact.

Methods

The Scopus database was used to search all articles from inception to 2020. Bibliometric information was obtained from Scopus, and bibliometrics diagrams were created using VOSviewer software. Statistical analysis was performed using the GraphPad Prism software version 7.

Results

A total of 4058 research articles on medulloblastoma research worldwide were included in this study. There has been an increase in published articles, with a steep increase observed in the last decade. The country with the most publications is the USA, with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital as the most productive institution in medulloblastoma research. The articles mainly focused on molecular biology, diagnosis, treatment, prognostic factors for medulloblastoma, and research on other pediatric tumors. The number of collaborations with other countries showed the strongest positive correlation with scientific productivity.

Conclusion

This analysis showed the trend and characteristics of published articles. The results of this study emphasized the need to increase funding for research, support for researchers and physicians, and promote more collaborations with countries and institutions engaged in medulloblastoma research.

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Data availability

The datasets generated during and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. College of Medicine, University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center Inc., Quezon City, Philippines

    Jerome H. Alcantara

  2. College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines

    Eric David B. Ornos

  3. Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines

    Ourlad Alzeus G. Tantengco

  4. Department of Biology, College of Science, De La Salle University, Manila, Philippines

    Ourlad Alzeus G. Tantengco

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  1. Jerome H. Alcantara
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  2. Eric David B. Ornos
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  3. Ourlad Alzeus G. Tantengco
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Contributions

JHA, EDBO, and OAGT conceived the review, contributed to analysis and interpretation of available literature, and prepared the manuscript. All authors contributed to the article and approved the submitted version.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Ourlad Alzeus G. Tantengco.

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Alcantara, J.H., Ornos, E.D.B. & Tantengco, O.A.G. Global trends, gaps, and future agenda in medulloblastoma research: a bibliometric analysis. Childs Nerv Syst 39, 3185–3194 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00381-023-05969-2

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